Overview
Disorders arising after exposure to actual or threatened traumatic events, affecting emotional regulation, cognition, and sense of safety.
Diagnostic criteria overview
- Criterion a: exposure to traumatic event
- Criterion b: intrusion symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares)
- Criterion c: avoidance of reminders
- Criterion d: negative alterations in cognition/mood
- Criterion e: alterations in arousal/reactivity
- Criterion f: duration greater than one month
- Criterion g: causes clinically significant distress or impairment
Symptoms
- Hypervigilance, startle responses
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Emotional numbing or detachment
- Sleep disturbances, nightmares
- Difficulty regulating emotions
Impact on functioning
- Heightened startle responses during activities
- Avoidance of situations or people associated with trauma
- Emotional shutdown in school or social contexts
- Sleep disruption affecting performance
- Regression in previously acquired skills